The nomination of United Arab Emirates diplomat Lana Nusseibeh for the position of United Nations Secretary-General has sparked criticism from Sudanese diaspora communities and international human rights organizations. These groups argue that Nusseibeh’s previous defense of the UAE in light of allegations concerning its support for Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) raises questions about her independence and suitability for the role.
The UAE put forward Nusseibeh’s candidacy as the successor to outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term concludes this year. This nomination has become contentious against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about the UAE’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s civil conflict. Human rights organizations have repeatedly accused the UAE of backing the RSF, a group implicated in widespread atrocities against civilians, including an attack on El Fasher in October 2025, which the United Nations characterized as having genocidal features.
Hala al-Karib, a Sudanese women’s rights and pro-democracy activist, expressed skepticism about Nusseibeh’s ability to act independently of her government’s stance on Sudan. She cautioned that her nomination could hinder efforts to achieve justice for the victims of atrocities in the country. Similarly, other Sudanese activists voiced concerns that her appointment might erode public confidence in the United Nations, emphasizing the need for the organization to remain independent and capable of holding powerful governments accountable for their roles in conflicts.
Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, criticized Nusseibeh’s past responses to allegations of UAE support for the RSF, suggesting that her dismissal of these claims raised doubts about her approach to accountability. In defense of her candidacy, Nusseibeh condemned the RSF’s actions in Sudan and pledged, if appointed, to support UN fact-finding missions and efforts to promote accountability and transitional justice.
Nusseibeh has taken leave from her ministerial position in the UAE government, citing the independence required of a UN Secretary-General as the reason for her decision. The selection process for the role involves securing at least nine affirmative votes in the 15-member UN Security Council and avoiding a veto from any of its five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia.
Competing candidates, such as former Costa Rican vice-president Rebeca Grynspan, have also been prominent in the race, as indicated by a recent informal Security Council poll. The ongoing controversy surrounding Nusseibeh’s nomination adds further uncertainty to the selection process, highlighting broader concerns about the independence of international institutions and their ability to ensure accountability for alleged human rights violations in conflicts.